Case, 60, was chairman of Cyberoptics Inc., a company he founded in 1984, while working as a professor of optical physics at the University of Minnesota. As an early pioneer of AOI, he gave the technology respectability by inventing and producing systems that worked effectively. These were subsequently installed inside many of the major brand names in the SMT industry and did much to contribute to the financial success of the company.

Today, the company operates in the semiconductor and SMT fields and has a global footprint of offices and manufacturing facilities. Steve Case was a quiet and serious man, who was well-liked by customers and colleagues alike. During his many years in the electronics industry, he served as President of the American Electronics Association and on the steering committee for the IPC Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association Council.

“Everyone at CyberOptics is shocked and deeply saddened by Steve’s death, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife and family,” said Kathleen Iverson, the company’s president and CEO. “He was a brilliant engineer, whose many inventions and technological breakthroughs not only established the foundation for CyberOptics’ success, but also helped transform the surface-mount electronics industry. Most importantly, Steve was a wonderful friend and colleague to everyone who worked with him.”

Case was the lone occupant in a single-engine plane that crashed while landing in rainy weather Tuesday night. The cause of the crash is not yet known. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a grandchild and will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues in the industry.

From Global SMT & Packaging magazine and Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal